Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Tokyo

"I tell them that everyone is under the same health insurance and not to worry about choosing from medical insurance plans. Also, for those with chronic diseases, I would advise them to check if their medicine and care is available in Japan, as a lot of medicine that is available in America is not available in Japan," said an expat in Tokyo.

"Medical services in Tokyo, are known for their high quality and advanced technology. The city has numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities, many of which have English-speaking staff to cater to international patients. The Japanese healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers, with the national health insurance covering a significant portion of medical expenses for residents. Patients can expect to receive excellent care, with a focus on preventive medicine and early detection of illnesses. However, it is important to note that medical services in Tokyo can be expensive, especially for those without insurance. Additionally, while the quality of care is generally high, there may be long wait times for non-emergency treatments due to the high demand for medical services in the city," commented one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

"It is difficult to find English speaking health providers, but they do exist. The healthcare culture is very rushed and you must be clear about what you need, otherwise the doctor isn't going to take the time to figure it out for you," wrote one expat.

"I have Social Health Insurance that my job helped set up for me. It's accepted pretty much everywhere as it's a public insurance. I have only needed to do something preventative, though, so I have only paid for medical service in its entirely before," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.

"My experience is that the national health insurance is great and easy to enroll in and easy to use. The insurance is reasonably priced and covers 70% of most medical needs. I have not had a problem with the healthcare system yet. I make sure to find an establishment that provides English support and everything is much smoother for me," said one expat living in Tokyo.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Tokyo, can be considered relatively affordable compared to some other countries. This is mainly due to the country's universal healthcare system, which ensures that all residents have access to medical services. The system is funded through a combination of government subsidies, employer contributions, and individual premiums. As a result, the cost of healthcare services and insurance premiums are generally kept at a reasonable level. However, it is worth noting that the cost of living in Tokyo is relatively high, which may impact the overall affordability of healthcare for some individuals. Additionally, private health insurance options are available for those who desire more comprehensive coverage or access to private hospitals, but these plans can be more expensive than the public system," mentioned one expat in Tokyo.

"You for an ambulance by dialing 119. Tokyo is a huge city so I cannot give a recommendation on the best hospitals, as there are a lot of hospitals to choose from and they vary in their care and speciality. I would advise someone to find a hospital that provides English support if they are not comfortable communicating solely in Japanese," said one expat living in Tokyo.

"Emergency services in Tokyo are well-equipped and efficient, providing assistance in various situations such as medical emergencies, fires, and accidents. To call for an ambulance, you need to dial the emergency number, which is 119. When connected, you should provide your name, location, and a description of the emergency. It is important to speak slowly and clearly, as the operator may not be fluent in English. Ambulance services in Tokyo are generally free of charge, and the paramedics are trained to provide immediate medical assistance on the scene before transporting the patient to the nearest appropriate medical facility," mentioned one expat in Tokyo.

"Emergency services are common and can be accessed by calling 119 for a fire or ambulance and 110 for police. I am a 20 minute public transit ride away from several different hospitals, or a 10 minute drive. The best hospitals in the city are The University of Tokyo Hospital and St. Luke's International Hospital. I am unfamiliar with their care as I have not had to visit yet," commented one expat who moved to Tokyo, Japan.

"Expats likely go anywhere that has English speakers. Healthcare is good here. People only have to pay 30% of reasonable costs for anything covered. Unfortunately, the public healthcare here does not cover anything preventative. Since I still have active health insurance in America, I have visited there to get a child prevention measure done - completely covered," wrote an expat living in Tokyo.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Tokyo. People seeking highly specialized medical care often go to renowned hospitals and medical centers in the city. Some of these institutions include the University of Tokyo Hospital, Keio University Hospital, and St. Luke's International Hospital. These hospitals are known for their advanced medical facilities, cutting-edge research, and experienced medical professionals who specialize in various fields such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, among others. Additionally, there are numerous specialized clinics throughout Tokyo that cater to specific medical needs, ensuring that patients have access to the best possible care," said an expat in Tokyo.

"Pharmacies are usually attached to hospitals or clinics and require prescriptions. There are drugstores for over-the-counter medicine. Prescription medicine is priced pretty low, depending on what coverage and costs you are used to," said one expat.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Tokyo. You can find them at various pharmacies and drugstores throughout the city. However, it is essential to have a prescription from a local Japanese doctor to obtain these medications. Some medications that are common in other countries may have different brand names or formulations in Japan, so it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before purchasing any medication. Additionally, certain medications that are available over-the-counter in other countries may require a prescription in Japan. It is always recommended to carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition and the necessity of the medication while traveling in Tokyo," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

"There is a hospital about 15 minutes from my home. Hospitals are everywhere and are accessible. Every hospital I have been to has been of good quality and if it is public or private varies by case," said an expat in Tokyo.

"As a foreigner living in Tokyo, you will have access to public healthcare, provided you are enrolled in one of Japan's health insurance programs, such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) or Employee's Health Insurance. The Japanese healthcare system is known for its high-quality medical services, well-equipped facilities, and well-trained healthcare professionals. However, it is important to note that not all medical staff may be fluent in English, so it might be helpful to have a Japanese-speaking friend or a translation app to assist you during medical appointments. Additionally, while public healthcare in Japan is generally affordable due to the insurance coverage, you may still be required to pay a percentage of the medical costs out-of-pocket," said an expat in Tokyo.

"There is a national health insurance that everyone (expats and Japanese people) is enrolled in. Its cost is based off of your previous year’s income. It covers 70% of most medical costs, but preventative care is not covered (flu shots, checkups, etc.). There are public and private hospitals available," commented one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

"I have Social Health Insurance as an full-time employee. National Health Insurance also exists if one's job does not pay for half of insurance. Everyone is entitled to public insurance and may enroll if a resident. It costs me about 5% of my salary (and my employer pays another 5%) based on my salary in the previous year. I was enrolled with no questions of my pre-existing conditions. There are public hospitals, but I have not been to one yet. It is often the case that people with some health issue will go to a local, small practitioner that specializes in that field," wrote one expat.

"Clinics and hospitals have had rules to enter their facilities, like masking, distancing, making sure you're not experiencing symptoms," remarked one expat in Tokyo.

"I am an AI language model, so I do not have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the experiences people have had with the local healthcare system in Tokyo during the pandemic. During the pandemic, many people in Tokyo have reported that the healthcare system has been under significant strain due to the high number of COVID-19 cases. Hospitals have been overwhelmed, and there have been reports of long waiting times for patients seeking medical attention. Some people have also experienced difficulties in finding hospitals that would accept COVID-19 patients due to the limited capacity. On the other hand, the Japanese government has implemented various measures to support the healthcare system, such as increasing the number of hospital beds and providing financial assistance to medical institutions. Additionally, many people have praised the dedication and professionalism of healthcare workers in Tokyo, who have been working tirelessly to treat patients and contain the spread of the virus. Overall, the experiences of people in Tokyo with the local healthcare system during the pandemic have been a mix of challenges and appreciation for the efforts of healthcare workers," remarked one expat living in Tokyo.